A Plurality of Worlds.

£300 · Offered by Shapero Rare Books

An excellent example of the Nonesuch Press edition of this important Enlightenment work by the French philosopher Bernard de Fontenelle, here appearing in English translation with colour-stencilled illustrations by T.L. Poulton. The text popularised the theory of cosmic pluralism, derived from Descartes and Copernicus, that there are other planets in addition to Earth which could harbour life. Number 1030 of 1600 limited edition copies printed on Van Gelder paper at the Curwen Press; 8vo (21 x 13.5 cm); numbered in pen to limitation page, colour-stencilled decorations by T.L. Poulton; publisher's japanese vellum, gilt device to upper cover, spine lettered in gilt, top-edge gilt, others uncut, small stain to rear cover, housed in the original paper-covered card slipcase printed in gold on a blue-green ground, a lovely example; ix, [1], 138, [2]pp.

• Binding: Hardcover

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